Examples

"You have heard how the proposed plan will fail; now consider how an alternative might succeed."

Smith sets forth eight kinds of metabasis, categorized according to the sort of relationship being announced between the preceding and subsequent matter:

1. Equal

   The matters you have heard were wonderful, and those that you shall hear are no less marvelous.

2. Unequal

   You have heard very grievous things, but you shall year more grievous.

3. Like

   I have spoken of his notable enterpises in France, and now I will rehearse his worthy acts done in England.

4. Contrary

   As I have spoken of his sad adversity and misery, so will I now speak of his happy prosperity.

5. Differing

   I have spoken of manners; now it remains that I speak concerning doctrine.

6. Anticipating Objection

   You may think me too long in the threatenings of the law; I will now pass to the sweet promises of the gospel.

7. Reprehension

   Why do I dewll on these things? I shall hasten my speech unto that which is the prinicpal point of the matter in question.

8. Consequents

   You have heard how he promised, and now I will tell you how he performed.

• epexegesis
• Figures of Amplification